The 8 Best AI Image Generators (Free and Paid)

AI image generators allow anyone to create high-quality graphics in seconds. Just describe the picture you have in mind, and the AI does the rest. Many options exist, but which AI tools give the best results?

We'll introduce you to some of the best AI image generators and reveal their costs and capabilities.

An AI image generator is a kind of software that harnesses artificial intelligence to create images. They use machine learning and complex algorithms to generate unique pictures and graphics from text prompts.

Simply enter a prompt in the tool's text field to start the "creative" process: The AI analyzes what you wrote and uses its extensive training on numerous images and styles to produce something that matches your needs. Here's an example:

The possibilities are almost endless: AI image generators can create all kinds of pictures, from realistic photos to artwork to marketing materials or even commercial assets.

AI image generators are impressive—and constantly improving. They're capable of creating photorealistic images and complex art in various styles. On top of that, their versatility and range of applications are also increasing.

These innovative AI tools have the potential to revolutionize design processes and transform entire industries. But, like any innovation, there are risks.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using AI image generators:

AI image generators are a double-edged sword. Users should be aware of their weaknesses and dangers.

One thing is clear: AI tools are here to stay, whether we like it or not. Like any machine they will change our (work) lives in one way or another. Ignoring them risks falling behind.

Not only is AI-generated content flooding the web, but so are the tools for creating it. There are more and more AI image generators, all of which make similar promises.

We've compiled a list featuring some of the best AI image generators currently available and let you know what makes them stand out.

Here are our top 8 best AI image generators:

DALL-E is an AI model from OpenAI, the same team behind ChatGPT. DALL-E is also based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. The name combines "Wall-E," the famous Pixar robot, and "Dalí," the surrealist artist.

There have been several versions of DALL-E, starting with DALL-E 1, followed by the more advanced DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3, each offering enhanced capabilities and more realistic image generation.

You can use DALL-E directly within ChatGPT on OpenAI's website. All you need is a ChatGPT account. Developers and businesses can also use the OpenAI API to integrate DALL-E's features into their applications or services.

Two images are generated for each prompt you input and you can choose the one that fits best.

DALL-E creates high-quality, detailed images in various styles and formats. OpenAI's tool excels at analyzing text prompts: results almost always met our expectations, and there were very few complete outliers.

However, DALL-E 3 is less suitable for creating photorealistic images, since people and faces often look waxy. We should mention again that this is typical for AI content.

Here's what our prompts yielded:

According to OpenAI, you own the rights to images created with DALL-E and can use them however you like, including for commercial purposes.

DALL-E has many business applications. Its strong understanding of prompts allows it to create a variety of assets, from social media images to presentation graphics, product info sheets, and ads. However, DALL-E still struggles with text, so you should add that separately:

ChatGPT subscribers can access DALL-E. There are currently three plans available:

You can also use DALL-E via API and integrate it into other tools. Payment is through a (somewhat complicated) token system that OpenAI explains on its website in greater detail.

Are DALL-E's results not realistic enough for you? Then Midjourney might be a better fit. This AI tool, developed by the San Francisco-based research institute of the same name, is currently in open (paid) beta and available to those interested.

Unfortunately, Midjourney isn't as user-friendly as ChatGPT and other AI tools. It lacks a dedicated dashboard and the image generator can only be used on Discord, a communication platform.

Discord is similar to Slack - you communicate with other users on different channels. One of these users is the Midjourney bot, which you can feed prompts using the "/imagine" command.

You can use existing channels with other Midjourney users, or set up your own server and invite the Midjourney bot to join your private chat.

No matter which option you use, the images you generate with Midjourney are not private by default and can be seen by everyone in the gallery. There is a private mode, but it's only available in the (expensive) Pro plan.

Midjourney yields spectacular results that are even more impressive than DALL-E's. The platform generates detailed, visually stunning images in various styles and formats. Unlike DALL-E, Midjourney excels at photorealism.

When it comes to understanding prompts though, Midjourney isn't as sharp as its OpenAI competitor. We often noticed that a requested element was either missing or incorrectly displayed.

Midjourney also grants users full rights to its generated images, with a few exceptions. However, its weaker understanding of prompts does make it slightly harder to create perfect assets out of the box.

The results of our sample prompts were solid, but not as impressive as with DALL-E. Our request to include text was completely ignored:

Midjourney offers four plans with increasing features. None of the plans have fixed image limits. Instead, resources are measured in graphic processing unit (GPU) time, which is how long it takes to generate an image.

In the cheapest Basic plan, GPU time is capped at 3.3 hours per month. The other plans offer more GPU time and even the ability to create unlimited images with "Relaxed Time". However, generating them takes longer when fast GPU time is used up.

Here are Midjourney's plans:

Want to use DALL-E 3 without paying? Just log in to Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) with your Microsoft account. It includes Copilot Designer, an image generator based on DALL-E 3.

Microsoft Copilot is an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT. Just select Designer from the menu and enter your text prompt. The AI tool will generate four matching images.

Unlike ChatGPT, the platform includes some image editing tools that you can use to apply filters and edit generated graphics.

Unfortunately, Microsoft's AI offering is a bit confusing at the moment. There are multiple versions of Copilot and each has different interfaces and features.

Since DALL-E handles image generation, image quality is high. However, Microsoft Copilot did block some of our prompts. For example, at the time of testing, photorealistic depictions of copyrighted events or real people weren't possible, which explains the two irrelevant Kennedy test images.

Microsoft is a bit unclear about image rights. They aren't mentioned on Copilot's website and Microsoft's Terms of Use state that services are limited to personal use unless specified otherwise.

However, a support representative told us we could use our Copilot images for commercial purposes. He recommended adding a watermark to images to prevent plagiarism and other issues. Still, the exact status of image rights is unclear.

Since DALL-E is used, the results are as good as OpenAI, while also suffering from the same problems with text:

Microsoft Copilot is generally available for free. There are no strict image limits, but you only get 15 boosts per day to create images faster. Once those are used up, image generation takes much longer.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Copilot Pro subscription, which gives you 100 daily boosts. It costs $30 per month.

Is commercial software too limited for your needs? Then Stable Diffusion by Stability AI is worth a look. This advanced AI model is an open-source alternative to DALL-E & Co., which gives users greater control over image generation. All that's needed is a bit more technical knowledge.

There are two main ways to use Stable Diffusion:

The answer depends on whether you use its web version or install the model locally and can take advantage of its extensive customization options.

For our review, we used DreamStudio and worked with regular text prompts. The results were detailed and high-quality, with colors and the overall design reflecting our prompts. However, there were some inconsistencies: parts of our prompts (a stuffed animal, a mythical creature) were ignored, and Kennedy was duplicated.

The Stable Diffusion model operates under the Creative ML OpenRAIL-M license, which generally allows images to be used for commercial purposes.

Unfortunately, the results of our sample commercial prompts weren't good. The material was too generic and ignored many of the details we requested, failing to convert our prompts correctly. Stable Diffusion couldn't reproduce text at all.

Stable Diffusion is open-source and generally free to use. However, online platforms that utilize it might charge a fee.

For example, DreamStudio uses a credit system: new users get 25 credits, which is good for about 125 images. After those are used up, you must purchase more credits since they don't automatically reset. For 10 USD, you get 1,000 credits, which can generate about 5,000 images.

Leonardo.Ai is an AI tool that uses multiple AI models, including Stable Diffusion. It generates images with whichever AI engine you select, and provides a user-friendly frontend for creating and editing them. Leonardo.Ai specializes in creating gaming assets but is suitable for many different purposes.

Leonardo.Ai offers an intuitive, easy-to-use web platform on which you can enter text prompts. What makes Leonardo.Ai special are its many tools for adjusting and customizing images, as well as fine-tuning the generation process.

You can specify dimensions, the number of images to generate, resolution, and other properties (e.g., background transparency, photorealism, prompt weighting). It's also possible to create custom datasets: upload your images to set the visual tone.

The images we generated were mostly consistent, with rich colors and plenty of detail. We especially liked the photorealistic images – Leonardo.Ai delivered the best Kennedy in our comparison.

Unfortunately, Leonardo.Ai often ignored important details in our prompts. This affected both style and content: for example, the treehouse and lighthouse weren't generated in the right style, our robot was missing the plush toy, and the lighthouse lacked mythical creatures.

Leonardo.Ai allows images to be commercially used. However, the platform's somewhat weak understanding of prompts led to disappointing results for our examples, neither of which we would use.

Leonardo.Ai is much better suited for visually striking, creative, and artistic applications than for supporting images and assets in a business context.

Leonardo.Ai uses a token system: Every action, from image generation to using its features and settings, costs a certain number of tokens. So, if you want to create photorealistic and generally higher-quality images, you'll need to pay more.

Similar to Midjourney, tokens are your ticket to quick image generation. Once they're used up, you can still create images—at least if you're an Artisan Unlimited subscriber or higher—but it will take longer.

Apart from the free plan, which gives you 150 tokens per day, there are three premium plans:

Even the old multimedia pros have jumped on the generative AI bandwagon. Case in point: Adobe. The US software powerhouse has developed its own AI model, Adobe Firefly, trained on Adobe Stock content and royalty-free materials.

Adobe Firefly is a user-friendly tool that you can use in your browser with your Adobe account. Each text prompt generates four images, and you can further refine results by adjusting the aspect ratio, style, and effects in the sidebar.

Similar to Leonardo.Ai, you can use a reference image gallery to guide what visual direction your content goes in. It's possible to use preset graphics or upload your own photos. Thanks to the Adobe connection, you'll be able to edit your newly created images further in Adobe Express.

Adobe Firefly mostly followed our prompt instructions correctly and generally produced consistent and high-quality images. The exception was our Kennedy test image: The AI model created a photorealistic person, but it didn't resemble John F. Kennedy. So, Adobe Firefly isn't suitable for depicting real people and historical moments.

Overall, the results are a bit "boring" and not as striking as Midjourney or DALL-E. They look like stock photos, which might be due to the AI training with Adobe Stock.

Adobe Firefly allows commercial use of images it generates. However, our sample prompts led to mixed results: They were fine in terms of visuals but didn't have much to do with the content of our prompts.

Like Leonardo.Ai, Adobe Firefly is better suited for stock photos and artistic representations rather than factual business applications and presentation materials. Our text prompts were completely ignored.

As long as you have an Adobe account, you can use Firefly for free, but you only get 25 Generative Credits per month. There's also a Firefly Premium plan which gives you 100 credits for $4.99 per month.

Conveniently, other Adobe subscriptions include access to Firefly. So if you're already paying for Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere Pro, you get up to 500 Firefly credits per month. Creative Cloud users even get 1,000 credits per month.

ideogram is another AI platform that lets you generate images from text. What's special about ideogram: The custom-developed AI model is better suited than the competition for rendering coherent text in AI images.

Combining text and illustrations opens up possibilities that other AI tools haven't fully covered yet.

ideogram offers a user-friendly web platform where you can enter text prompts and adjust some design and image settings. For premium users, ideogram also includes an editor to further refine newly created images.

Ideogram delivers impressive results. The stylized images, especially the treehouse, were the most striking, even though our pixel art request wasn't met.

The realistic images were less convincing: The robot graphic lacks detail compared to results from other models, while our "Ich bin ein Berliner" prompt doesn't look anything like JFK and has six fingers.

The results of our business prompts were impressive, especially compared to the competition. Ideogram understood each prompt's intent and provided suitable assets for social media and presentations. Unfortunately, the texts weren't entirely correct, but they were pretty close.

Content can be used for commercial purposes according to ideogram's terms of service.

ideogram offers a free plan that lets you turn 25 prompts into images daily. However, creation speed is limited, and all images you create are publicly accessible.

There are two premium plans with additional features available:

Looking for an AI image generator on the go? The Apple and Google app stores are packed with AI tools, but most of them aren't worth it. WOMBO Dream is a pleasant exception.

WOMBO Dream is a user-friendly smartphone app that generates images in seconds. Just enter a prompt, choose a style, and specify the aspect ratio. You can then download the images or edit them further in WOMBO's app.

Apart from its "text to image" capabilities, WOMBO also offers typical smartphone AI features: You can turn portraits into avatars and transform your existing photos with text prompts.

WOMBO delivers solid results: The images match the prompts and are suitable for further use on smartphones, as wallpapers or avatars.

However, don't expect the same quality as Midjourney & Co.: We couldn't achieve photorealistic results, and the stylized content is a bit too smooth and lacking in detail. WOMBO also regularly ignored key aspects of our prompts.

You can use WOMBO for free, but there are some limitations. For example, you can only generate one image at a time, while Premium users can create up to four images simultaneously. Also, free images have a WOMBO watermark.

The Premium subscription for WOMBO was about $90 per year at the time of review.

AI-generated content is not just on the Internet, with tools for producing it appearing practically everywhere. Programs differ significantly in cost, content quality, prompt comprehension, and editing options.

There are several tools that might be called the best AI image generator: DALL-E by OpenAI interprets prompts with excellent accuracy, Midjourney creates stunningly realistic images, and Stable Diffusion gives you extensive control over the generation process. Each program has its strengths and weaknesses.

No matter which AI image generator you choose, be careful, especially if using its results for commercial purposes. Copyright issues, ethical concerns, and misinterpretations of instructions: AI tools can be a great help but can also cause significant harm. So, handle them with care.

Need AI-generated text for your AI images? We've put together a list of the best AI text generators for you here.